KUALA LUMPUR: A PAS lawmaker claimed that many university students have become “sugar babies” to generate income to cover their student expenses.

Muhammad Fawwaz Mohamad Jan (PN-Permatang Pauh) also claimed that most students involved in the social problem came from the lower income group or B40.

He said the students had to find alternative income during their studies to pay for their campus expenses. He cited news reports that more SPM leavers have less interest in tertiary education due to its high cost.

“A lot of experts opined that many SPM leavers did not want to pursue their studies because of poverty.

“Some students had to ration their meals because they didn't have enough money, skipped their assignments to work part-time jobs and even started their own businesses.

“It has also been an open secret that some students who have ‘big appetite’ and lack of iman (faith) are involved in the ‘sugar baby’ trade to make money,” he said when debating the Budget 2024 at the committee level on Monday (Nov 27).

Muhammad Fawwaz asked the ministry if any study had been made to determine university students' involvement in the activity.

“Is there any research about the ‘sugar baby’ issue? If there is, how many are involved, and what is the government doing to curb the problem?” He said.

He also asked the government about its efforts to assist students, especially those from the B40 group.

“Both Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan’s manifestos during the 15th General Election emphasised educational assistance for the B40 group.

“My question is, what is the update on the manifestos by Pakatan and Barisan government for educational assistance, which include free education that Barisan offered for the B40,” he said.